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property overview

Guests are made to feel at home at one of Switzerland’s only family-run luxury resorts.

Gstaad Palace is one of the only family-owned and -operated hotels in Switzerland, and guests are treated like extended members of the family (big-names who have checked in here have included Louis Armstrong, Liz Taylor and Marc Chagall). During World War II, the hotel housed other treasures: owing to its isolated location on the upper mountainside, the Swiss government hid a large portion of the country’s gold reserves in a two-storey bunker at the hotel. Today, this historic space serves as La Fromagerie, with a Champagne truffle fondue, and the terrace of the famous Lobby Bar. Here, guests can listen to live music, enjoy afternoon tea or sip Champagne late into the night. For something more formal, dine at Le Restaurant, Le Grill Rôtisserie, or at authentic Italian Gildo’s Ristorante.

We Recommend

Best Newcomer

16 Art-Bar-Restaurant

This new restaurant is set in a 200-year-old chalet, where cowbells were once made. It has a menu that changes daily and showcases fresh ingredients. www.16eme.ch.

Best Family Activity

Alpine Coaster

To experience a true adrenaline rush, take a ride on the world's highest bobsleigh track, which opened at Glacier 3,000 in the summer of 2007. www.glacier3000.ch.

What to Buy

Cheese

Get your fixings for a Champagne-and-black-truffle cheese fondue, or simply pick up a fine piece of local cheese, from excellent Molkerei Gstaad. www.molkerei-gstaad.ch.

Best View

Glacier 3000

Take the cable car up to this viewpoint for a 360-degree panoramic view that includes some of the most beautiful alpine peaks, from Montblanc to the Matterhorn. www.glacier3000.ch.

Top Architecture Find

Gruyères Castle

One of the most scenic castles in Switzerland, situated above the medieval town, Gruyère offers a walk through eight centuries of architecture, history and culture, including an incredible French garden. www.chateau-gruyeres.ch.

Best Neighborhood Walk

Gstaad Höhi Wispile

Take the cable car up to Wispile, where the mountain hike continues on to the Chrine Pass before descending to Lake Lauenen. On the way to the lake, enjoy fantastic views of the Wildhorn Massif.

Best One-Stop Shop

Heimatwerk Saanen

This well curated shop features an intriguing collection of local arts and crafts, including wonderful pottery. www.heimatwerk-saanen.ch.

Best Cultural Secret

Museum der Landschaft

This museum in Saanen bears testimony to three centuries of the area’s rich and varied cultural heritage. www.museum-saanen.ch.